Comprehensive 11-Day Japan Travel Itinerary: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your trip with fresh sushi and local delicacies at Tsukiji Outer Market, an iconic spot for seafood lovers open from early morning till mid-afternoon.
JPY2000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple located in Asakusa, admire the vibrant Nakamise shopping street, and soak up the traditional atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy authentic sukiyaki or shabu-shabu dishes in a historic setting, open 11:30am to 3pm.
JPY4000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Akihabara

Dive into the world of electronics, anime, and gaming in Akihabara, a paradise for pop culture enthusiasts.
Free (shopping and optional), 2h

4:00pm

Visit Meiji Shrine

Visit one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines nestled in a peaceful forested area, open until 5:00pm.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine in a lively izakaya setting, famously known as the inspiration for the Kill Bill restaurant fight scene.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Modern Tokyo & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

Enjoy a tranquil morning with floral inspired dishes and tea in this unique café, open from 10:00am but arrive early for the calm surroundings.
JPY1200, 1h

10:00am

Explore Shibuya

Witness the famous Shibuya Crossing and visit trendy shops and cafes around this bustling district.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in this beautiful garden blending traditional Japanese, English, and French styles, open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omoide Yokocho

Taste various yakitori and local street foods in this nostalgic alleyway filled with small eateries in Shinjuku.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit teamLab Planets Tokyo

Experience immersive digital art exhibits that blend nature and technology, open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
JPY3200, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Nabezo Shinjuku 3 Chome

Enjoy premium Japanese hot pot (shabu-shabu) with quality meats and fresh vegetables in a relaxed atmosphere.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural Sites Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Lumine Shinjuku

Taste western-style breakfast favorites with a Japanese twist, open from 8:00am.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens

Stroll through the historic gardens surrounding the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family, open 9:00am to 4:30pm, closed Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Kojimachi Yakiniku

Relish authentic Japanese barbecue in a welcoming setting near the Imperial Palace.
JPY3500, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Ueno Park & Museums

Explore Ueno Park with its museums like Tokyo National Museum open from 9:30am to 5:00pm, close Monday, offering rich cultural history and art.
JPY1000 (museums), 3h

4:30pm

Shopping at Ameya-Yokocho Market

Shop local goods and snacks at this bustling street market near Ueno Station.
Free (shopping optional), 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Savor a personalized ramen experience, open late with individual booths for focused eating enjoyment.
JPY1000, 1h
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Day 4: Day trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Nikko

Take the Tobu Railways or JR Line from Tokyo to Nikko, about 2 hours journey, to explore historical and natural beauty.
JPY2700, 2h

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Discover Japan’s lavishly decorated UNESCO World Heritage shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Taste local Japanese comfort dishes in a lively restaurant near the shrine, open till late afternoon.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Walk Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls

Enjoy stunning views from the lake area and visit Kegon Falls, one of Nikko’s most beautiful waterfalls.
JPY570 (Kegon Falls elevator), 2h

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo to rest and prepare for the next day.
JPY2700, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner near hotel

Choose a convenient local izakaya or family restaurant near your accommodation to relax after the day trip.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 5: Hakone Nature & Relax

Hakone, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Tokyo to Hakone

Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku station to Hakone-Yumoto, about 1.5 hours journey.
JPY2200, 1h30m

10:00am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore outdoor sculptures and art installations in a scenic mountain setting, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Komon

Enjoy relaxing meals with views of the museum’s gardens and nature.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Owakudani Valley

Take the Hakone Ropeway to visit volcanic valley with hot springs, open daily from early morning to sunset.
JPY1200, 2h

4:30pm

Check-in to Onsen Ryokan

Relax in traditional Japanese hot springs accommodations for authentic experience.
JPY15000+ (per night), Overnight

7:00pm

Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan

Savor a multi-course traditional Japanese dinner served at your ryokan.
Included with ryokan, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 28, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast, typically included with your stay.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Travel from Hakone to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto, approximately 2 hours.
JPY13600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s famous food market and eat various traditional snacks and street food.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk the thousands of vermilion torii gates pathway in this iconic Shinto shrine, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in Hotel in Kyoto

Rest and freshen up at your accommodation.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy local Kyoto cuisine in the historic Gion district, with options of kaiseki or modern Japanese dishes.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Kyoto Temples & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with classic Japanese-style coffee and light breakfast, open from 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

See the stunning gold leaf covered temple set in beautiful gardens, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

10:30am

Visit Ryoan-ji Temple

Famous for its Zen rock garden, this temple offers quiet and contemplative spaces, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot) near Kiyomizudera Temple.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the famous hillside temple with panoramic city views, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk through Gion district

Stroll the historic geisha district and enjoy traditional wooden machiya houses and tea shops.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from a variety of restaurants along this narrow alley known for food and nightlife.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 8: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Travel Kyoto to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line or Kintetsu Line, about 45 min to 1 hour trip.
JPY710, 1h

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the giant bronze Buddha statue in one of Japan’s most famous temples, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Nara Park and Deer Feeding

Experience interacting with friendly free-roaming deer in a vast park area.
JPY150 (deer crackers), 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try famous freshly pounded mochi rice cakes at this local specialty shop near Nara Park.
JPY1000, 30m

1:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore the historic shrine known for its hundreds of lanterns, open 6:30am to 5:30pm.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto to relax and prepare for the next day.
JPY710, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Sample different regional ramen styles conveniently located inside Kyoto Station.
JPY1000, 1h
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Day 9: Osaka City Exploration

Osaka, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Travel Kyoto to Osaka

Quick train ride on JR or Hankyu lines, about 30 minutes.
JPY560, 30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy fresh seafood and street food in this famous Osaka market, open from early morning till afternoon.
JPY1500, 1h

10:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle grounds and museum, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori district

Taste takoyaki and okonomiyaki, iconic Osaka street foods in a vibrant area with neon lights.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping and Exploring Shinsaibashi

Shop in Osaka’s largest shopping area, with a mix of boutiques and department stores.
Free (shopping optional), 2h

5:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10:00am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Experience Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewered treats in a casual local spot.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 10: Hiroshima & Miyajima

Hiroshima, Japan on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Travel Osaka to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima, approx. 1 hour 30 minutes.
JPY10900, 1h30m

9:00am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Learn about Hiroshima’s history and the atomic bombing impact, park open 6:00am to 5:00pm, museum open 8:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY200, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a layered savory pancake, at this popular food building.
JPY1200, 1h

1:00pm

Travel to Miyajima Island

Take the train and ferry to Miyajima, home to iconic Itsukushima Shrine, approx. 1 hour.
JPY600, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the famous shrine with its floating torii gate, open 6:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY300, 1h30m

4:30pm

Hike Mount Misen or Cable Car Ride

Choose a scenic hike or cable car ride for panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea.
JPY1800 for cable car, 2h

7:00pm

Return to Hiroshima and dinner

Enjoy dinner featuring local seafood specialties near Hiroshima Station.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 11: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hiroshima hotel

Light breakfast before departing Hiroshima.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Travel Hiroshima to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Tokyo, approximately 4 hours journey.
JPY19700, 4h

2:00pm

Check-in and Rest in Tokyo

Relax at your Tokyo hotel and refresh from the trip.
Varies, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Odaiba

Explore this entertainment and shopping district with views of Rainbow Bridge, open all day with various venues open till evening.
Free entry; some attractions paid, 3h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Sushi Saito

Experience a Michelin-starred sushi dinner (reservation required) for a memorable last night.
JPY30000+, 2h
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